Sherrod Brown on Welfare and Unemployment

Last Updated : Nov 04, 2012

Summary

Senator Brown is a strong advocate for school meal programs, welfare programs, food stamp programs, and other items. Throughout the recession, Senator Brown has been a strong proponent of extending unemployment benefits to those who have exhausted the previously allotted benefits. He has noted that this money is directly and immediately spent on food and other necessities. He has stated that for this reason, there is no better stimulus than unemployment benefits.

Senator Brown is also a strong advocate of providing free lunch programs to students. He is a supporter of programs that provide these free lunches to students in the summer months. He has lamented the lack of use of this program by those who qualify for it.

Not a Welfare Program

In October of 2008, Senator Brown spoke on the Senate floor in support of unemployment extension and noting that the program was not a welfare program but was insurance that employees and emplyers paid for previously.

Extending Unemployment

In November of 2008, Senator Brown spoke on the Senate floor in support of the extension of unemployment benefits. He noted that if the Senate can pass a bailout for the financial industry, it can pass assistance for unemployment benefits.

Unemployment is the Best Stimulus

In a November 2008 newsletter, Senator Brown advocated for an extension of unemployment benefits. In that newsletter, Senator Brown noted that unemployment money is spent immediately and stays in the local community. He stated that there was no better stimulus than that.

In January of 2009, Senator Brown spoke on the Senate floor about the benefits of extending unemployment insurance to additional lengths and about the numerous benefits to the economy. He notes that the best part about the unemployment benefits is the lack of Wall Street CEOs receiving the money.

School Meal Programs

In June of 2009, Senator Brown released a press statement noting his sponsorship of The Hunger Free Schools Act. This legislation was designed to increase the number of children available for reduced or free lunches by creating incentives for states to expedite the approval process so that the demographics of those on assistance match government estimates. The legislation also sought to allow "universal access" for schools in high poverty areas. This would allow an entire school to simply provide free lunches to all students rather than enroll students on an individual basis.

In July of 2010, Senator Brown reiterated many of these statements when unemployment benefits were finally extended.

"Extending unemployment insurance isn't just the right thing to do. It's also the smart thing to do for our economy. According to one of Sen. John McCain's top economic advisors on his campaign, each dollar spent on unemployment insurance returns $1.63 to the local economy as families use the money to buy groceries, pay their bills, and hold onto their homes.

"Passing unemployment insurance is an important step toward stabilizing our economy. We must continue to work alongside the private sector to create jobs, help unfreeze the credit market for small businesses, and rebuild American manufacturing."

Official Website Statements

Voting Record

Senate Passage of Extending Unemployment Benefits

On July 21, 2010 the Senate voted on the final version of legislation to extend unemployment insurance benefits. The measure passed 62-36 with most Democrats supporting it and most Republicans opposing it. Sherrod Brown voted in favor of extending the unemployment insurance.

Sherrod Brown voted in favor of extending the unemployment insurance.

Cloture Vote on Extending Unemployment

On March 10, 2010 the Senate voted on cloture for legislation to extend unemployment insurance benefits. Several Senators supported cloture on the bill merely to move it along in the hopes of paying for the provisions later. It passed 66-32. Sherrod Brown voted in favor of cloture, supporting debate on extending the unemployment insurance.

On March 10, 2010 the Senate voted to pass legislation to extend unemployment insurance benefits. The measure passed 59-39 with most Democrats supporting it and most Republicans opposing it. Sherrod Brown voted in favor of extending the unemployment insurance.

Sherrod Brown voted in favor of extending the unemployment insurance.

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Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation

Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to extend until January 1, 2011, the temporary increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP), under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, for any state with a certain unemployment increase percentage during the recession adjustment period. Extends the entire recession adjustment period from December 31, 2010, through December 31, 2011.

Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 with respect to the state-established individual emergency unemployment compensation account (EUCA). Extends the final date for entering a federal-state agreement under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program through January 3, 2012. Postpones the termination of the program until June 9, 2012. Amends the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act to extend until January 4, 2012, requirements that federal payments to states cover 100% of EUC.

Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 with respect to the state-established individual emergency unemployment compensation account (EUCA). Requires a further additional Tier-5 period for deposits to an individual's EUCA if, at the time the amount added to such individual's account under the Act is exhausted or at any time thereafter, the individual's state is in an extended benefit period. Prescribes a formula for making such Tier-5 credits.